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This is a study on the efficacy of project-based learning approach on Social Studies Education.

- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

Abstract

In this research, an experimental study was carried out in social studies 4 th grade students' to develop students' conceptual achievement and motivation to succeed academically. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of project-based learning (PBL) in social studies. A quasi-experimental research design (pre-and posttest) was used in the research. While the experimental group of students received an interactive social studies instruction including completely PBL in a team format activities, the control group students received an instruction including direct instruction method (whole class teaching and individual work in the worksheet of the topics) in the fourth 4 th grade social studies curriculum for six weeks. The findings indicated a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group on the concept achievement and motivation. Students who participated in the PBL environments not only enriched and expanded their knowledge but also achieved a higher level of motivation than the control group. The PBL in a team format activities were provided to promote the experimental group students' motivation to succeed academically and to develop their conceptual achievement. The results demonstrated that the PBL improved students' understanding regarding social studies concepts and helped them achieve the behaviours which were aimed academically. The experimental group's intended behaviours in academic motivation at the beginning of the experimental treatment turned into performed behaviours at the end.

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Our main goal as educators is to improve students achievement and PBL is an amazing tool to do so. Click the link below to find out the boost that PBL can give to students in order to achieve more. Hope you all like it.
https://youtu.be/eGWqBZSFgxE

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This video explains the importance of PBL in learning. Trevor gives an excellent example of using PBL in the classroom.

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I found this video very useful about PBL.It focuses on the benefits saying that the knowledge developments is much deeper and more sophisticated.Enjoy it..

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This video is about the benefits of PBL. Teachers and students share their experiences and opinions about PBL.

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Benefits of Project Based Learning (PBL) and STEM

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This video is about 5 keys to rigorous Project Based Learning which I found interesting and useful. Hope you enjoy it!

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In this video there are 7 steps of Project Based Learning. There you can decide and use your creativity for planning a project. Hope you like it!

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This video shows the difference between project and project based learning!

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Projects and Project-Based Learning: What's The Difference?

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This article provides us with the benefits of using Project Based Learning in classroom.PBL seeks to better prepare students for solving real-world problems and issues while teaching them.

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Many parents and educators don't realize how large of an impact project based learning (PBL) can have on the education of middle and high school students. Part of the reason for this is simply that they may not have been exposed to the concept; they can't endorse something if they don't know it exists or how it's different from the education their child receives every day.

Project based learning is a nontraditional education model that seeks to better prepare students for solving real-world problems and issues while teaching them what they need to know to succeed in school right now. Project based learning structures curriculum around discrete projects, presenting students with multi-step problems to solve or asking them complex questions they are then required to answer. Such projects often force students to use multiple learning techniques to succeed, including research, logical deduction, and iterative learning (trial and error). Since these projects are usually too large and complex for one student to do alone, project based learning also tends to encourage teamwork.

"But my child's school already assigns him projects," you ask. "How is this different?" Well, project based learning is different in a few ways. First of all, project based learning is structured almost entirely around projects, while a more conventional approach simply uses projects to reinforce the topics covered in lecture. Second, project based learning focuses on simulating real-world situations, while many conventional projects are still purely academic in nature. While conventional learning would have physics students learn the formula for motion in lecture and apply it in word problems or on a computer simulation, project based learning would provide students with a ball bearing, a launch mechanism, and a target in a specific location and tell the students to figure out how to hit the target consistently no matter where their launch mechanism is located in the room. The students would have to research the formula for motion and its applications, measure the physical properties of the ball bearing, and then devise a system to determine the correct setting for the launch mechanism based on its distance from the target.

Connecting academic situations to the real world is one of the largest benefits of project based learning. Students learn with the same approach they will eventually use in their hobbies, passions, and careers. This ingrains essential problem-solving techniques within them early on, drastically increasing their chances of success in whatever career they choose once their education has completed. Part of this is that project based learning requires the use of multiple problem-solving methods, which helps students not only cultivate a balanced approach but also learn to switch approaches when their initial attempt fails to work.

Another benefit of project based learning is its affect on students' interpersonal skills. Because projects are often large and complex, students are grouped together to work, which fosters communication skills and encourages even students with diverse and possibly conflicting personalities to find a common ground, or at the very least a way to work together without constant tension. Part of this teamwork building helps introduce students to the specialization and delegation that are extremely prominent in the real world. Some students will naturally be more adept at some problem-solving methods than others, so students will figure out how to allocate resources (themselves) optimally by having part of the group work on one subset of tasks while another part works on another subset.

Overall, project based learning encourages students to develop a balanced, diverse approach to solving real-world problems, both on their own and in a team. Project based learning prepares students for success in the real world like no other teaching style can.

To further personalize learning, check out our customizable and mobile-friendly online curriculum. Built by curriculum pros at Method Schools, we call it SmartFox. High quality, low cost, and, as mentioned, built by a school, not a vendor. In 2018, we're adding projects to our online courses. Not only will our courses be infused with projects and hands-on learning extensions, but schools can purchase and modify our online courses and add their own projects.

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Many parents and educators don't realize how large of an impact project based learning (PBL) can have on the education of middle and high school students. Part of the reason for this is simply that they may not have been exposed to the concept; they can't endorse something if they don't know it exists or how it's different from the education their child receives every day.

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This article is about mixing both technology and PBL together.

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blending technology and project based learning.

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Here are 12 reasons  why PBL is better than Traditional classroom learning. It may be helpful to all of us who tend to stay loyal to the traditional approach.

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1 comment
Avatar of Daniela Hasa
Daniela Hasa 4d
This article is about empowering the student to the level of the expert !! Project Based Learning can be used as a tool to reach this goal.
Your avatar
Add comment

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Most of adults live in a world of projects whether it's a job assignment, home improvement or planning something in real life . These days school can be more interesting and effective by focusing students on work that matters such as being active on solving problems. Project Based Learning is the perfect choice teachers use to get students think critically, collaborate and enhance communication .
:)

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Project Based Learning Made Simple Through +1 Pedagogy

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This video is about a project based learning applied to the third graders to prepare for Atalanta's next major snowstorm.Enjoy it!

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STEAM + Project-Based Learning: Real Solutions From Driving Questions

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Project Based Learning (PBL) prepares students for academic, personal, and career success, and readies young people to rise to the challenges of their lives and the world they will inherit. This video will show you exactly how PBL works and how to do it right.

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Project Based Learning: Am I Doing it Right? How Do I know?

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This article contains 10 tips on how to use PBL in our classroom. It contains several useful examples that will come in handy to all new teachers.

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Project based learning has been a part of teaching forever. It's nothing new, but we've seen a resurgence within the past few years and it's a buzzword we all like to use. I get quite a few questions from teachers asking how they can start and what they can try.

That's why I've put together some of my favorite tips for getting started and what to expect when you decide to take the plunge...and I think you should. Sure, some of these might be simple, but they're worth repeating and thinking about.

Pick a Topic You Like
Start Small To Find Your Comfort Zone
When it comes to PBL in your class-do what makes you most comfortable. This might mean beginning with a small project or just a sample with your students. No one knows your classroom better than you and no one knows your teaching better than you. Don't worry about scale, length of time, and complexity. Just start small and find your comfort zone. Full article here.
If you're excited about a topic, there's a pretty good chance your students will be too. That's why I suggest finding a topic you really like. Maybe you want to do something that involves animals or building/designing a city. Whatever it is, make sure you're invested. Your students will follow your lead. Full article here.

Paper Projects Are Excellent Options

Sometimes the best PBL only includes paper. Sometimes all the problem solving, designing, and hard work is contained on a couple of sheets of paper. It can be simple. Many of the PBLs I create use this paper-based frame work because it works well in the classroom. Ease-of-use is your friend. Full article here.

Use Materials You Already Have
Make it simple on yourself and focus on using classroom materials that are readily at your disposal. Do not go and buy the latest gadgets or drop a hundred bucks at Target. Most simple PBLs can be conquered with classroom items, a little ingenuity, and the recycle bin.

Let Go (of some control)
Ana and Elsa are correct-Let it go. You'll have to give up some of the control. You can't control every aspect of PBLs because each student (or group) will have different results. This doesn't mean it's classroom chaos-it just means we have to hand the reins over to the students. Let them learn how to learn.

Sign up
and you can immediately download the FREE PBL resource, Grow Your Garden, which is a newsletter exclusive.

Be Open-Ended With The Students
Many times students will want definitive answers for EVERYTHING! I tell my students that if they ask me what they can do (within a project) I will always say "YES". I don't like to limit options and thinking. Too many times kids are told to hide their imagination inside (sadly)-not with PBL. This can be difficult concept for kids (which make sad), but we're working on it.

Share Awesome Ideas With Your Class When You See Or Hear One
When I walk around the room checking in (and spying) I hear and see the coolest things and thinking taking place. Those ideas need to be shared with everyone. All the kids need to hear about them because it'll spark other students' imagination. It might seem simple-but it works. Kids need to use each other as jumping-off points, without always having to rely on teachers.

Include All Levels Of Learners
Project Based Learning IS NOT just for talented and gifted students. It's for EVERYONE! In fact, I'd argue it's just as important for lower leveled learners. Why is that, you ask? Well, many of our struggling learners have learned incredible strategies for staying afloat in the classroom. They apply these same strategies here and it works in an incredible way. These projects are incredible engagement tools for reluctant/hesitant learners.

Multimedia is the Best Hook
Videos, images, music, Netflix, YouTube--use them all. Show students the multiple avenues of ways to learn. These are all hooks for the students and they love them.

When my students build their ski resorts, I like to show them an 8 minute movie on ski resorts around the world. They are amazed and excited to start. When we learn about the rainforest I play an 11 hour loop of jungle sounds ( found on Youtube). It's filled with rain showers, buzzing bugs, monkeys playing the in trees.

Get Physically Comfortable When Working
Let students move wherever they need to in the classroom. Floor, tables, small groups. A quiet room means NO ONE is really learning/discussing/collaborating. I want my kids intermingling, sharing ideas, and stealing ideas to create better ones.

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Project Based Learning In Your Classroom

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Project based learning has been a part of teaching forever. It's nothing new, but we've seen a resurgence within the past few years and it's a buzzword we all like to use. I get quite a few questions from teachers asking how they can start and what they can try.

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I found this article very helpful because it describes very well what PBL is. It also gives us the reason why we need to use it by describing the benefits, by giving some examples and also by giving us some challenges we can face by using itm I invite you to read it. 😊

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Project-based learning is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world.

Project-based learning, or PBL, is more than just projects. As the Buck Institute for Education (BIE) explains, with PBL students "investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex problem, or challenge" with deep and sustained attention. ArchForKids LLC put it even more succinctly: PBL is " learning by doing."

Why Project-Based Learning? We Live in a Project-Based World.

The truth is, many in education are recognizing we live in a modern world sustained and advanced through the successful completion of projects. Or, as Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget put it, "knowledge is a consequence of experience."

It's true! Your weekend chores, an upcoming presentation, or organizing a fundraising event-they're all projects.

For most modern workers, it will be a series of projects that mark their career rather than years of service to a specific organization. "Solving real-world issues that matter is important to us as adults-and it's important to our students," explain Lathram, Lenz, and Vander Ark in their ebook, Preparing Students for a Project-Based World.

In short, if we are to prepare students for success in life, we need to prepare them for a project-based world.

What are the Essential Elements of Project-Based Learning?

Although definitions and project parameters may vary from school to school, and PBL is sometimes used interchangeably with "experiential learning" or "discovery learning," the characteristics of project-based learning are clear and constant.

In essence, the PBL model consists of these seven characteristics:

Focuses the student on a big open-ended question, challenge, or problem to research and respond to and/or solve.

Brings what students should academically know, understand, and be able to do into the equation.

Is inquiry-based.

Uses 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, among others.

Builds student choice into the process.

Provides opportunities for feedback and revision of the plan and the project.

Requires students to present their problems, research process, methods, and results.

Following fifteen years of literature review and distilled educational experience, the Buck Institute for Education also identified seven essential elements for PBL but focsed them on project design. Collectively these elements are called Gold Standard PBL.

According to the BIE, the key elements to project design include:

A Challenging Problem or Question

Sustained Inquiry

Authenticity

Student Voice and Choice

Reflection

Critique and Revision

Public Product

All these elements, if combined well, result in students learning key knowledge, understanding, and skills for success.

An example where all these elements come together is in our high school Business Incubator class. Teams of students propose and design a product based upon a challenging need or intricate problem. These young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to business and community leaders in an effort to gain support for launching their product.

One team of students designed a mobile app providing real-time air quality readings at locations around the world. Raising awareness about air pollution, supporting health-conscious travelers, and making global connections were galvanizing real-world provocations for their project.

It's worth noting that while project-based learning may seem like some specific or isolated instructional practice, the lists above should look familiar. They are really the elements of great learning experiences. You don't have to subscribe to project-based learning to incorporate elements of it in your classrooms.

Having said that, there are benefits that true project-based learning provides.

Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Too often, traditional learning never ventures beyond the realm of the purely academic. Project-based learning connects students to the real world. PBL prepares students to accept and meet challenges in the real world, mirroring what professionals do every day.

Instead of short-term memorization strategies, project-based learning provides an opportunity for students to engage deeply with the target content, bringing about a focus on long-term retention. PBL also improves student attitudes toward education, thanks to its ability to keep students engaged. The PBL structure lends itself to building intrinsic motivation because it centers student learning around an essential central question or problem and a meaningful outcome.

Daniel Pink, in his TEDTalk and influential book, , says people are intrinsically motivated by three things-autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Popular terms like grit and rigor become embedded dispositions when learners sink their teeth into meaningful endeavors.

A recent collaborative study conducted by the University and Michigan and Michigan State University suggests the implementation of project-based learning correlated positively with student achievement, particularly in schools serving high-poverty communities. This research emphasizes the importance of projects being standards-aligned and supported with research-proven instructional strategies.

Because of its focus on 21st-century skills, the PBL model also enhances students' technology abilities. Jennifer Gonzalez noted how project-based learning helps students develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with others. The collaborative nature of projects also reinforces the social-emotional learning (SEL) programs being implemented at progressive schools around the world.

These interpersonal aspects of PBL dovetail perfectly with the use of technology in the classroom. Technology-based projects are interdisciplinary, collaborative, inquiry-based, self-directed, motivating, and address the full range of student needs and learning styles, according to Christa Love of TechnoKids. Additionally, digital literacies and digital citizenship objectives become ingrained in tech-based projects.

Speaking of learning objectives, a quick review of ISTE's recently revised standards for students will disclose the relevance of PBL to modern learning. By highlighting standards including empowered learner, innovative designer, creative communicator, and global collaborator, you would think these standards were tailor-made with PBL in mind.

Challenges of Project-Based Learning

The Intel Corporation identified several reasons why project-based learning can represent such a radical departure from what we are used to in education. PBL requires you to coach more and instruct less, to embrace interdisciplinary learning instead of remaining locked in single-subject silos, and to be more comfortable with uncertainty and discovery during the learning process.

For many instructors, PBL is a stark contrast to the traditional education they experienced. Change takes time and is seldom without apprehension and challenges. However, when we consider the types of educational experiences we value for our modern learners, it becomes apparent the traditional "sage on the stage" instructional model falls significantly short.

The truth is, though, you can overcome these PBL challenges. Good problems or ideas can come from your students, parents, or community members. Instead of lectures and book learning, teachers can think through the steps required to solve a problem and use those steps as project-learning activities. Instead of planning a massive project, the learning process can be made more manageable by chunking the project into smaller parts, with frequent checkpoints built into the timeline. Instead of a traditional summative exam, authentic assessments can be developed by communicating with professionals in the field regarding what a presentation would look like related to a particular project.

Examples of Project-Based Learning in Action

In one science-based project, students begin with a visit to a zoo, learning about animal habitats and forming opinions on which habitats best suit a selected animal. For this example, the project component included teams of students collaborating to develop a research-supported habitat plan for presentation to professional and student zoologists.

While the sciences fit neatly into PBL environment, the instructional strategy lends itself naturally to interdisciplinary learning. In an example that blends English language arts and the social studies, students answer the classic essential question, "What role does censorship play in society?" Following introductory instruction, students select a banned book, read it, compose a persuasive essay and take part in a censorship-related mock trial experience conducted in the presence of experts.

Want to find solace from the boring, "drill and kill" Math lessons? In this example, students assume the role of a National Security Agency code breaker, with a life-or-death project scenario in which they must decode a message potentially revealing the location of a planned terror attack on the United States. Students decrypt the message, send a coded message of their own and present their work. A professional in a related field visits the class to launch the project and connect it to real-world experience.

Are you looking for more examples of PBL schools? John Larmer, Editor and Chief for the Buck Institute for Education PBL Blog, shares several shining examples of schools making a commitment to deeper learning through PBL instruction. Larmer suggests investigating schools belonging to the Deeper Learning Network. These innovative schools include the essential elements frequently mentioned in BIE's Gold Standard PBL.

Project-Based Learning Lesson Plans

The Buck Institute also provides a hub for PBL lesson plans that align to Common Core standards. They make it easy to search their database by the source of the lesson plan, the subject, and the course.

A few quick examples of the more than 100 PBL lessons include:

The Ultimate Design Challenge-Students design solutions to a current problem using mathematical models.

Lending a Helping Hand-Students become financial advisors and are challenged to make the best use of $25 in a way that impacts their community most.

Lost!-In this project, students are isolated somewhere in the world and must design a civilization that stands the test of time.

It's important to note that some of the lesson plans in this resource library are free while others come at a cost. Many of the lesson plans that require payment do provide sample pages, so you can get an idea on how to recreate it in your own way.

Now that you know what PBL is, what it looks like in the classroom, and where to find lesson plans, let's look at how you can actually get started.

Getting Started With Project-Based Learning

Every journey may begin with a single step, but sometimes that step can seem daunting. Carol Ann Tomlinson, writing about differentiation in the classroom, advised teachers to start with "small, well-orchestrated changes," selecting a few targeted goals each year, focusing on doing those things well and concentrating on growth.

The same concept applies to project-based learning. Dream big, but start small. Writing for Edutopia, Andrew Miller advised teachers to keep things simple by limiting the scope and duration of a project, using or renovating an existing project, and taking the time to get meaningful feedback and engage in professional reflection.

You can also flip your understanding of how to get started with project-based learning by approaching it from the students' perspective and providing them with the resources they need to make sense of PBL as a concept and the practical steps once they are engaged in the process.

Tom Vander Ark, writing for Getting Smart, shares a helpful introductory framework for high-quality PBL. This framework includes six criteria meant to support students, parents, and educators as they embark on their PBL journeys. These criteria include; authenticity, challenge, collaboration, and reflection. Additional examples and resources related to project-based learning can be found here.

Project-based learning is easier than you may think and well within your grasp. Sometimes coming up with project ideas can present an initial stalemate for students. This post from TeachThought includes resources for teachers, as well as, project ideas for students. How would you like 42 prompts for your students so they can design their own projects? You can start small, think practically, and change the way you and your students view content learning and mastery.

It's Time to Seriously Consider Project-Based Learning

What does learning look like? Under what conditions does our most profound and best learning occur? For most of us, we learn best by doing, examining, reflecting, and iterating.

Successful entrepreneur, Richard Branson said, "You don't learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing ... and by falling over." In contrast, but still in line with PBL principles, PBL guru John Dewey said, "We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience."

Project-based learning takes the essential characteristics of what we value most about education and puts them front and center of our formal learning environments. It is a popular and noble aspiration for educators to inspire and develop life-long learners. Undeniably, PBL helps prepare students for the "real world" since that is naturally where their learning occurs.

So, what project will you be diving into today?

Project-Based Learning Research, Resources, and Further Reading

Below are resources and research you should check out to start or better your PBL practice.

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Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources

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Project-based learning is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world. Project-based learning, or PBL, is more than just projects.

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ANXHELA JOLLA

I read a lot of information about project-based learning,  but when I saw the video about Laura's class,  it made me realize its usefulness and importance of this approach.

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Project Based Learning: Laura's Phrasal Verbs

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Dorina Hoxha                                                          Project Based Learning 

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Dorina Hoxha                                                          Project Based Learning 

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What is PBL?

Project Based Learning (PBL) prepares students for academic, personal, and career success, and readies young people to rise to the challenges of their lives and the world they will inherit.

Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge.

Project-based learning is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world.

Project-based learning, or PBL, is more than just projects. As the Buck Institute for Education(BIE) explains, with PBL students "investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex problem, or challenge" with deep and sustained attention.

What are the Essential Elements of Project-Based Learning?

Although definitions and project parameters may vary from school to school, and PBL is sometimes used interchangeably with "experiential learning" or "discovery learning," the characteristics of project-based learning are clear and constant.

In essence, the PBL model consists of these seven characteristics:

Focuses the student on a big open-ended question, challenge, or problem to research and respond to and/or solve.

Brings what students should academically know, understand, and be able to do into the equation.

Is inquiry-based.

Uses 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, among others.

Builds student choice into the process.

Provides opportunities for feedback and revision of the plan and the project.

Requires students to present their problems, research process, methods, and results.

Following fifteen years of literature review and distilled educational experience, the Buck Institute for Education also identified seven essential elements for PBL but focsed them on project design. Collectively these elements are called Gold Standard PBL.

According to the BIE, the key elements to project design include:

A Challenging Problem or Question

Sustained Inquiry

Authenticity

Student Voice and Choice

Reflection

Critique and Revision

Public Product

All these elements, if combined well, result in students learning key knowledge, understanding, and skills for success.

An example where all these elements come together is in our high school Business Incubator class. Teams of students propose and design a product based upon a challenging need or intricate problem. These young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to business and community leaders in an effort to gain support for launching their product.

One team of students designed a mobile app providing real-time air quality readings at locations around the world. Raising awareness about air pollution, supporting health-conscious travelers, and making global connections were galvanizing real-world provocations for their project.

It’s worth noting that while project-based learning may seem like some specific or isolated instructional practice, the lists above should look familiar. They are really the elements of great learning experiences. You don’t have to subscribe to project-based learning to incorporate elements of it in your classrooms.

Having said that, there are benefits that true project-based learning provides.

Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Too often, traditional learning never ventures beyond the realm of the purely academic. Project-based learning connects students to the real world. PBL prepares students to accept and meet challenges in the real world, mirroring what professionals do every day.

Instead of short-term memorization strategies, project-based learning provides an opportunity for students to engage deeply with the target content, bringing about a focus on long-term retention. PBL also improves student attitudes toward education, thanks to its ability to keep students engaged. The PBL structure lends itself to building intrinsic motivation because it centers student learning around an essential central question or problem and a meaningful outcome.

Daniel Pink, in his TEDTalkand influential book, Drive, says people are intrinsically motivated by three things—autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Popular terms like grit and rigor become embedded dispositions when learners sink their teeth into meaningful endeavors.

A recent collaborative studyconducted by the University and Michigan and Michigan State University suggests the implementation of project-based learning correlated positively with student achievement, particularly in schools serving high-poverty communities. This research emphasizes the importance of projects being standards-aligned and supported with research-proven instructional strategies.

Because of its focus on 21st-century skills, the PBL model also enhances students' technology abilities. Jennifer Gonzalez noted how project-based learning helps students develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with others. The collaborative nature of projects also reinforces the social-emotional learning (SEL) programs being implemented at progressive schools around the world.

These interpersonal aspects of PBL dovetail perfectly with the use of technology in the classroom. Technology-based projects are interdisciplinary, collaborative, inquiry-based, self-directed, motivating, and address the full range of student needsand learning styles, according to Christa Love of TechnoKids. Additionally, digital literacies and digital citizenship objectives become ingrained in tech-based projects.

Speaking of learning objectives, a quick review of ISTE’s recently revised standards for studentswill disclose the relevance of PBL to modern learning. By highlighting standards including empowered learner, innovative designer, creative communicator, and global collaborator, you would think these standards were tailor-made with PBL in mind.

Examples of Project-Based Learning in Action

In one science-based project, students begin with a visit to a zoo, learning about animal habitats and forming opinions on which habitats best suit a selected animal. For this example, the project component included teams of students collaborating to develop a research-supported habitat plan for presentation to professional and student zoologists.

While the sciences fit neatly into PBL environment, the instructional strategy lends itself naturally to interdisciplinary learning. In an example that blends English language arts and the social studies, students answer the classic essential question, "What role does censorship play in society?" Following introductory instruction, students select a banned book, read it, compose a persuasive essay and take part in a censorship-related mock trial experience conducted in the presence of experts.

Want to find solace from the boring, "drill and kill" Math lessons? In this example, students assume the role of a National Security Agency code breaker, with a life-or-death project scenario in which they must decode a message potentially revealing the location of a planned terror attack on the United States. Students decrypt the message, send a coded message of their own and present their work. A professional in a related field visits the class to launch the project and connect it to real-world experience.

Are you looking for more examples of PBL schools? John Larmer, Editor and Chief for the Buck Institute for Education PBL Blog, shares several shining examples of schools making a commitment to deeper learning through PBL instruction. Larmer suggests investigating schools belonging to the Deeper Learning Network. These innovative schools include the essential elements frequently mentioned in BIE’s Gold Standard PBL.

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This article provides a glimpse into Project Based Learning and its importance to students learning process. Also, it gives insights into the application of this instructional methodology.

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Research about Project Based Learning_ADELA XHAFERAJ

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Teuta Toska

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Project-based learning or problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching approach in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

Buck Institute for Education

Authentic PBL allows students to address challenges that are real to them and their lives.

For PBL to be successful, teachers need to understand:

students interests and passions

how to make connections to real world contexts and people.

Many different interactions and situations need to be planned and facilitated by the teacher. Integrating digital technologies in innovative and intentional ways into PBL has the potential to improve the PBL process and resulting products.

Essential elements of project-based learning

Key knowledge, understanding, and success skills - the project is focused on student learning goals, including curriculum-based content and skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and self-management.

A challenging problem or question -the project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.

Sustained inquiry - inquiry is iterative, students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information to reach a satisfactory solution.

Authenticity - the project features real-world tasks, processes, tools, and performance/quality standards. It can have an impact on others, or create something that will be used or experienced by others. It can have personal authenticity relating to students' personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.

Student voice and choice - students have input and (some) control over the project, including the questions they generate, the resources they use, how they work, and what they create.

Reflection - reflection should be an explicit part of project journals, formative assessment, discussions at project checkpoints, and public presentations of student work.

Reflection on the content knowledge and understanding gained helps students solidify what they have learned and think about how it might apply elsewhere.

Reflection on skill/competency development helps students set goals for further growth.

Reflection on the project itself - how it was designed and implemented - helps students decide how they might approach their next project, and helps teachers improve the quality of their PBL practice.

Critique and revision - teach students how to give and receive constructive peer feedback to improve their process and products.

Public product - students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom.

Buck Institute for Education (BIE)

At St Hilda's Collegiate, every year 9 student is mentored with someone from the local community as they work throughout the year on their passion project.

When compared with traditional instruction, studies show that students engaged in well implemented project-based learning:

demonstrate increased long-term retention of content

perform as well as, if not better, than traditional learners in high-stakes tests

improve problem-solving and collaboration skills

have a more positive attitude towards learning.

Strobel and van Barneveld (2009)

Senior secondary students reflect on how their learning has changed at Fraser High School through curriculum integration and the use of authentic contexts as they produced the first issue of Passionfruit magazine.

1. Strobel, J., & van Barneveld, A. (2009). When is PBL more effective? A meta-synthesis of meta-analyses comparing PBL to conventional classrooms (Abstract) . The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 3(1).

"Project-based learning (PBL) is one way we can support deeper learning outcomes."

Lathram, Lenz, and Vander Ark (2016)

When developing a project-based learning (PBL) approach, consider designing project elements that reflect the following:

real-world relevance where learning is embedded in social practice

authentic tasks, with a diversity of outcomes

opportunities for students to examine content and tasks from a variety of perspectives

opportunities for students to collaborate, articulate and reflect

assessment that is authentic and seamlessly integrated with tasks.

Provide opportunities for students to build key competencies and skills such as:

critical thinking

problem solving

collaboration

self-management.

More information "

Integrate digital technologies to improve the PBL experience

"If the goal of education is to allow learners to apply what they learn in real situations, learning must involve applications and take place in the context of authentic activities."

National Research Council

Consider how to integrate digital technologies in innovative and intentional ways to enhance the PBL process and resulting products. Identify digital technologies needed to:

remove barriers to learning for students

enable communication and collaboration between students, experts, and mentors

enable organisation, planning, feedback, and reflection

carry out project tasks.

Sam Cunnane, head of the arts faculty at Fraser High School, talks about the curriculum integration project. Sam says the scheme is about "turning the way we approach NCEA upside down by getting students to produce an authentic project."

Authentic PBL supported by cloud-based collaborative tools

Students can work together on cloud-based, collaborative tools to plan, design, develop, and present on:

an environmental cleanup in their community

a positive communication plan for their classroom or school

school camp - healthy food menus, budgeting, or designing activities and games

a school production - organising marketing for this production

exploring new options for their overcrowded school bus service, and working with the local council to develop solutions

research on topics such as a local playground - and present a submission on improvements to the local council

books to be transported to an overseas school that lacked resources

science fair projects

environmental projects such as designing areas of the school grounds to make them more appealing.

New Zealand Curriculum Online

Cloud-based collaborative tools could include:

PBL specific ways to improve the use of technology in the classroom
1. Authentic audience integration

Invite people to share their ideas and experiences virtually with your students.

Connect with an audience at the beginning, middle, and end of a project and invite feedback in the process.

2. From products to management

Use online tools such as G-Suite ,Microsoft 365 ,Evernote , to store information, build projects, and push out information.

Use the technology to set, share, and reflect on goals.

3. Technology to assess collaboration

Use tools such as the Google Draftback extension so students and teachers can see a visual record of digital collaboration on a project.

Allow students, teachers, and parents to provide online, specific feedback on ways to work together to meet the purpose of a project. This can be achieved on a range of platforms, such as Blogger , Google Apps, Microsoft 365,Seesaw .

4. Digital fluency as a 21st century skill

Provide opportunities in a PBL approach for students to access and effectively use technologies to support their learning and develop digital fluency .

More information "

Questions to consider when designing a PBL experience

Does it focus on supporting "doing" rather than "knowing"?

Is it based on a meaningful problem to solve or an open-ended question to answer?

Does it support sustained inquiry?

Does it have a real-world context, use real-world processes, make an impact and/or connected to students' own lives?

Does it include student voice and choice?

Can students reflect on what and how they are learning?

Does it provide opportunities for assessment for learning?

Is it collaborative?

Is there an authentic audience?

Does it allow for opportunities to develop digital fluency?

2. McKenzie, A. Morgan, C. Cochrane, K. Watson, G. & Roberts, D. (2002) Authentic learning: What is it, and what are the ideal curriculum conditions to cultivate it in? University of Sydney, Australia.

Key resource

Buck Institute for Education

As a mission-driven nonprofit organisation, Buck Institute creates, gathers, and shares high-quality PBL instructional practices and products and provides highly effective services to teachers, schools, and districts.

Education for sustainability

New Zealand's national curriculum focuses on 21st century learning, ensuring learners are equipped to participate in and contribute to their own society and the wider world. An important aspect of this is encouraging students to consider significant future-focused issues such as sustainability.

Enterprise in The New Zealand Curriculum

This ERO report has been written to help schools develop enterprise learning. Seven case studies present the challenges and benefits of enterprise as authentic teaching and learning.

Spiral of inquiry - Developing a Makerspace to create successful learning experiences for priority learners .

The year 7 and 8 teaching team at Marshland School investigated the effect of authentic learning on increasing motivation and engagement among their students. Students identified their own real-life problems for projects and created solutions to these within the Makerspace. Students shared their products and learning at a Maker Faire where the local community was invited.

realworldmath.org

Real World Math is a collection of free math activities for Google Earth designed for students and educators. In the virtual world of Google Earth, concepts and challenges can be presented in a meaningful way that portray the usefulness of the ideas. It also has a page with downloadable PBL projects .

PBL for beginners

Setting up your first project-based learning unit can be an intimidating task. Alyson Boustead, details her school's venture into PBL, and the impact it had on her learners' creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience.

PBL Ideas book

It has nine top quality, project-based learning ideas for primary, middle, and senior grades. These scenarios are all customisable for any grade level and for multiple subjects.

The Technology Integration Matrix

This matrix aligns well to PBL and how technology should be used in the PBL classroom.

Preparing students for a project-based world

This publication (August 2016) is the first in a three-part series aimed at promoting equity and access to deeper learning as an outcome for all students. It describes why and how all students should benefit from project-based learning (PBL) in preparation for a project-based world.

Getting started with Genius Hour

A blog post by Al Ingham (March 2016), explaining the process for teachers to setup and get started with implementing Genius Hour or Passion Projects. Students are given time to plan and develop personal projects.

25 Creative ways to incorporate more project-based learning in the classroom

A NZ blog post (April 2016) from Fusion Yearbooks providing useful information, suggestions for applications and software, and practical approaches to implement project-based learning into your classroom.

Project-based learning

This section of the Getting Smart website provides up-to-date blog posts from guest authors focused on project-based learning.

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Project-based learning or problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching approach in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. Buck Institute for Education Authentic PBL allows students to address challenges that are real to them and their lives.

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Project Based Learning: Why, How, and Examples

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This is one in a series of videos produced by PBLWorks to showcase Gold Standard PBL projects from a variety of grade levels, subject areas, and settings.

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Yes, we provide PBL training for educators!

PBLWorks offers a variety of PBL workshops, courses and services for teachers, school and district leaders, and instructional coaches - whether you're just getting started or advancing your practice.
Learn more

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This project features teacher Cheryl Bautista of Katherine Smith Elementary School, San Jose, CA and her third graders.

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Here you can read something about  four of the main elements that you need to design a project based learning.

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4 Keys To Designing A Project-Based Learning Classroom

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In designing a project-based learning classroom, mistakes are allowed & expected. Students then become active rather than passive learners.

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This short video helped me to better understand how Project Based Learning works and its benefits. I hope it will be helpful for you guys too.

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PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL)
This video shows how and why  project based learning is different from other ways of learning. I really hope you enjoy it.

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Projects and Project-Based Learning: What's The Difference?

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Pentesilea Banushi

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Project - Based Learning

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PROJECT BASED LEARNING

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This article provide us with the benefits and resources of Project-Based Learning. It explains what is exactly PBL and how we can "learn by doing".

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Less Teaching and More Learning_Susan Gar